MEP7 Impact Of Empire On Britain And India

Question 1

What were some positive reasons for the impact of the British empire on India?

Answer 1

• By 1900 the British had built thousands of km of roads as well as many schools, hospitals and railways.
• They also introduced a new legal system

Question 2

How did the British empire improve health?

Answer 2

They introduced a vaccine and treatment program to fight killer diseases like malaria and smallpox they also improved sewage systems

Question 3

How did the British reduce the amount of good health?

Answer 3

• There were devastating famines that struck India in the late 1800s - millions died
• Many blamed the British as they forced farmers to replace food crops

Question 4

How did the British improve railways and transport in India?

Answer 4

• The British built over 30,000km of railways and 130,000 bridges all over India so goods could travel faster
• Canals roads factories mines farms were also developed (investing totalling £400 million by 1914)

Question 5

What were some negative impacts the British empire had on India?

Answer 5

• It was argued the roads and railways were only built to allow British traders to move quickly
• British customs were forced on to people
• Indian workers were often exploited and the countries raw materials were taken back to Britain

Question 6

What was the British empires impact on India’s economic resources?

Answer 6

• The British made fortunes from trading in India’s raw materials such as tea, gemstones, silk and spices
• increased trade created jobs for Indians
• British introduced coal mining to India

Question 7

How did the British empire industrialise India?

Answer 7

They built factory’s in the same way that British towns and cities were

Question 8

How did the British empire bring new culture and society to India?

Answer 8

• A legal system was created based on the one in Britain
• High courts were set up in madras culcatta and Bombay
• Thousands of schools and colleges opened and English literature spread

Question 9

What was the impact of the British raj on Britain?

Answer 9

• British factories brought in raw materials from India which were converted to products and sold back to the British empire
• This created many jobs - dockworkers factory workers shopkeepers
• Indian army fought bravely on britains side in both first and Second World War
• India’s tea became a popular drink in India and Britain